Town Of Fairfield: Hurricane Henri

Press release from the Town of Fairfield:

8/21/2021

I met with the Emergency Management Team today at 2:00 pm to go over preparations and the Town's response to Hurricane Henri. I have since declared a state of emergency in the Town of Fairfield.  The storm is due to hit with tropical force winds tomorrow morning between 2 - 8 a.m. and will peak at 11 a.m. We are expecting wind gusts between 35-50 mph and 4-6'' of rain fall, creating flooding in many low lying areas that are prone to flooding. The Saturday evening forecast indicates heavy rain may extend well into Monday. 

The coastal flooding storm surge is expected to be between 2-3 feet and high tide will be Sunday at 11:52 am.  tomorrow morning between 2 - 8 a.m. at 11 a.m. Saturday evening Sunday at 11:52 am The Storm Information Hotline at 203-254-4899 will provide recorded storm emergency messages. More information is provided on our website at the following locations: I want to thank our Fire, Police, Health and Public Works Departments for their work to prepare our Town for the storm and help keep our residents informed and safe. Below are some important updates:

• If you haven't yet signed up for UI text alerts, you can register with UI here. 
• Please stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power lines, because you should always assume it is live.  
• Please note that portable back-up generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) which is a poison gas. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Our Firemen have responded to numerous calls for CO poisoning. 
  • Never use a generator inside your home or garage. For more information - https://www.cdc.gov/co/generatorsafetyfactsheet.html 
  • UI Safety Tips on generators can be found here
• Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods are at risk during extended power outages. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut. When in doubt, throw it out: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html
• In the aftermath of a major storm, being neighborly takes on a new meaning and sense of urgency. Please take the time to check on your elderly neighbors, or neighbors who may be in need. If you haven’t seen a neighbor out and about, it only takes a minute to knock on the door for friendly check-in. As always, call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency. Social Services is available to help with meals and groceries, getting  medications as needed - 203-256-3170.
• Need to charge up? Charging stations are located in the Lobby of Police Headquarters (100 Reef Road), and all five Fire Stations.
• There is a mobile command post located in the Old Navy Parking Lot at 2215 Black Rock Turnpike. 

EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM  EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM In order to receive Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up at In order to receive Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up at  www.fairfieldct.org/alerts   www.fairfieldct.org/alerts 

This press release was produced by the Town of Fairfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.